Ports: emissions: intermodal goods movement stakeholder group.

Senator Richardson's port emissions initiative would establish an intermodal goods movement stakeholders group to develop California's first tiered response system for managing port-related air pollution. The State Air Resources Board would oversee this new body, comprising representatives from twelve California ports, labor unions, terminal operators, shipping companies, rail operators, and other maritime stakeholders.

The stakeholders group would create a three-tier threshold system - yellow, orange, and red levels - to monitor port emissions and specify corresponding reduction actions when these thresholds are reached. Through monthly meetings with state agencies, the group would determine specific emission levels for each tier and outline mandatory response measures, with all proposed actions requiring explicit agreement from the entities responsible for implementation. The group must submit its findings, recommendations, and complete management plan to the Legislature and Governor by January 31, 2027, though the plan cannot take effect before July 1, 2027.

This initiative emerges amid complex operational realities at California's ports, particularly the San Pedro Complex - comprising the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach - which handles over 30% of U.S. container volume. The bill's findings note several barriers to immediate emission reductions, including limited availability of electric vehicles, power infrastructure constraints, and battery technology limitations for port operations. While the state pursues longer-term zero-emission goals for 2035, this framework would provide intermediate measures for addressing acute emission concerns.